Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.
Go and announce this message toward the north: 'Come back, unfaithful Israel,' says the LORD. 'I will not pour out my anger on you, because I am full of mercy,' says the LORD. 'I will not stay angry forever.'
God is calling His unfaithful people to return to Him, promising mercy and forgiveness instead of punishment because His anger doesn't last forever.
📚 Historical Context
This message was directed toward the northern kingdom of Israel, which had been conquered by Assyria in 722 BC and its people scattered. Jeremiah was prophesying around 627-586 BC, long after Israel's exile, but God was still offering restoration to the scattered northern tribes. The southern kingdom of Judah was also struggling with unfaithfulness at this time.
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